Nigeria

NGA

Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, a cultural powerhouse with one of the world's most entrepreneurial populations and a dynamic diaspora that spans every major global city. Lagos serves as the commercial capital and a thriving hub for technology, entertainment, and finance, while Abuja functions as a planned federal capital with modern infrastructure. The country's rich ethnic diversity — over 250 recognised groups — and vibrant creative industries in music, film (Nollywood), and fashion have given Nigeria an outsized cultural footprint on the global stage.

→ If you hold a Nigeria passport, see the Nigeria nationality guide

Passport Rank

#94

Visa-Free

destinations

Country Details

Capital: Abuja
Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Languages: English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo
Population: 220,000,000
Tax System: Residence Based
Dual Citizenship: Allowed
Naturalisation: 15 years
Schengen / EU: No
Climate: Tropical / Semi-arid
English Proficiency Rank: #88

Indices

Cost of Living

Safety

Healthcare

Quality of Life

105

Tax Summary

Tax System: Residence Based
Territorial Taxation: No — worldwide income taxed for residents
Naturalisation: 15 years of legal residency
Dual Citizenship: Allowed

Cost of Living by City

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Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
City	Rent 1BR centre	Rent outside	Groceries	Utilities	Transit pass
Lagos	$950	$520	$290	$85	$30
Abuja	$700	$400	$270	$80	$28

Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.

Climate

Lagos

28°J

29°F

29°M

29°A

28°M

26°J

26°A

27°S

28°O

29°N

28°D

Rainfall range: 25–385 mm/month · Daylight 12h (winter) to 13h (summer)

Abuja

26°J

28°F

31°M

32°A

29°M

27°J

26°J

25°A

26°S

28°O

28°N

26°D

Rainfall range: 3–280 mm/month · Daylight 12h (winter) to 13h (summer)

Naturalisation Details

Residence Years: 15
Language Test: No
Civic Test: No
Oath Required: Yes
Dual Allowed: Yes
Fee: $300
Processing: ~36 months

Real Estate

Avg price/sqm (capital): $3,500
Transaction taxes: 5%

Foreign buyers: Foreign nationals may own property in Nigeria with some restrictions — land ownership is technically vested in state governments via the Land Use Act 1978, so buyers acquire leasehold rights (Certificate of Occupancy, 99-year C of O). Victoria Island and Ikoyi (Lagos) NGN 3,500,000-7,000,000/sqm ($2,500-5,000) represent premium pricing. Lekki corridor is popular for expat housing. Governor's consent required for property transfers adding 3-8% cost. Stamp duty 1.5%. Infrastructure reliability (power, roads) is a key consideration.

International Schools

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International schools by city, curriculum, and annual tuition
School	City	Curriculum	Tuition (USD/yr)
American International School of Lagos	Lagos	US + IB	$18,000–$32,000

Daily Life Logistics

Internet

30 Mbps median

20% fibre coverage

eSIM: MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo Mobile, 9mobile

Driving

IDP required

Local licence required after 12 months

Exchange eligible: Drives on the RIGHT. IDP valid for foreign visitors. Expatriate residents must obtain Nigerian driving licence from FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps). No widely recognised bilateral exchange agreements — local test required for residents.

Pet Relocation

Quarantine: none

Rabies titre required

EU pet passport: not accepted

Safety

GPI Rank

#144

Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)

Common Risks

⚠advance-fee (419) fraud attempts via email and WhatsApp targeting foreigners
⚠fake investment schemes in Lagos business districts
⚠police impersonation and roadblock extortion outside major cities
⚠SIM swap fraud targeting mobile banking customers

Examples of areas to avoid: Ajegunle, Mushin and Oshodi in Lagos after dark, Wuse Market area in Abuja at night, Any travel outside major cities in the north-east (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states) — active insurgency

LGBTQ+ Legal Status

Same-Sex Marriage: Not legal
Civil Partnerships: Not recognised
Anti-Discrimination Law: No
ILGA Rank: #160

Religious Life

Halal Food: Widely available
Kosher Food: Limited
Prayer Facilities: Common

Sample Citizenship Test Questions

Q1. In which year did Nigeria gain independence from British colonial rule?

Answer: 1960

Source: Nigeria Immigration Service — Citizenship

Q2. What is the name of Nigeria's federal capital, which replaced Lagos as capital in 1991?

Answer: Abuja

Source: Nigeria Immigration Service — Citizenship

Related Guides

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Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.